It is a bit embarrassing running out of fuel. Considering we can carry just over 200 liters for 1000km’s of range. We were light on fuel with 80k’s of range as we left thismorning and had instructions that fuel was at 60k’s and 30k’s after that. Well, the first gas station was non existent and Penny didn’t particularly like breathing on fumes and spat the dummy and decided not to drive any further. Good thing Traecy and Hayden in Lola, came to our rescue for our two beautiful cars had some roadside coitus. The Porsche dangling his fuel line into Penny’s receiving rear tank.
I am so sick of the desert. God damn it just won’t end. Seriously, hot and dry. I need a bit of cold or tropical rainforest to mix things up a bit. We had a slight break in Salta for a hundred k’s or so as we drove through a valley that regularly got thunderstorms, it was even green enough for grazing cattle.
We had slipped back to equal first position after not going quite fast enough on the track yesterday. Not to worry, in Patagonia we have lots of regularity sections and Dad and I are getting the hang of it, watch out, big gold trophy here we come!
I was walking out through the car park just before and heard Stanley (car 12) mumbling and grumbling from severe disappointment. His number 1 navigator had ruthlessly hacked his beard off at day 24 in a fit of rage. Paddy says that he can’t believe he lasted this long without shaving, everyone else suspects his better half Tania had something to do with it 🙂
Only Adrian and I are still in comp for the infamous beard-off. 
More stunning driving today (albeit only for a short quirt) on graded gravel roads through some canyons with sheer drop offs on the river side. The cliff edges were thankfully on my side of the car so dad did have what he describes as ‘heart flutters’
when he deems my speed be in excess of what should be driven so close to a precarious precipice. We are now on day 24 and Dad’s midday nap count is at least to 30 something. Classic Dad.
Another solid day drive through the endless silly desert tomorrow and a rest day at Mendoza. Bulk piccies will ensue from there. Catchya then amigos!
James
Jaquie
What a pleasure to see a Porsche 356 helping Penny ! We had one for many years and did quite a few rally’s with her, she was a 1959. Coupe des Alpes etc. as co pilot got a bit tired of being balled out because he didn’t listen ( you don’t speak loud enough, my goodness , you don’t have to scream ! ) you’re dad must know something about that !
Jaquie
What a pleasure to see a Porsche 356 helping Penny ! We had one for many years and did quite a few rally’s with her, Coupe des Alpes etc. she was a 1959 original. As co pilot I got a bit tired of being balled out because he didn’t listen ( you don’t speak loud enough, my goodness, you don’t have to scream ! ) you’re dad must know something about that ! Especially when the top is down ! – and maybe raining, just for fun !
julie
Loving your reports James… I know how tired you are some nights..but your committment is to be admired. Thanks for looking after Dad. 🙂
Love MUM xxx